Can I propagate kiwi from grocery store fruit?
Written by
Michael Sullivan
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.Growing kiwi from supermarket fruit isn't as easy as it sounds and has some genetic drawbacks. First, while you can germinate seeds readily, you can expect 90% of the seeds to develop into non-fruit-bearing male plants. I seed-started 200 seeds from supermarket kiwis and got about 12% females. Even then, the quality of the fruit was very inconsistent compared to grafted plants found in nurseries.
Genetic Limitations
- Commercial hybrids rarely breed true from seed
- High male-to-female seedling ratio (8:1)
- 3-5 years needed to determine plant sex
Reliable Methods
- Take 8" hardwood cuttings in January
- Use 0.3% IBA rooting hormone
- Root in 1:1 peat-perlite mix at 68°F (20°C)
To ensure successful outcomes, I take cuttings from established female vines, which are called hardwood cuttings. I typically dip the cuttings into rooting hormone and keep them under grow lights where the cuttings are kept at a humidity of 80% for successful rooting of cuttings. My success rates improved from 30 to 70% success when I started using heated propagation mats set to 68°F (20°C).
Common Issues
- Mold: Reduce humidity below 70% after week 3
- Leaf drop: Increase light to 14hrs/day
- Root rot: Use sterile medium + cinnamon powder
Grafting avoids the potential variability of the seed. I graft the scion wood from productive female plants on _A. arguta_ rootstock. Grafting will produce fruit in two years as compared to five or more years for seedlings. Always tag your male and female cuttings, I lost a rare cultivar by mixing tags while the plants were dormant.
Read the full article: How to Grow Kiwi: Expert Guide for Home Gardeners
